By Jordyn Britton
Howard University News Service
President Biden congratulated the University of South Carolina women’s basketball team on an “incredible run of excellence” during a White House visit to celebrate its third NCAA championship in a decade.
The president was in a jovial mood with no shortage of jokes. He laughed along with the audience while poking fun at head coach Dawn Staley. “I know why you’re so good; you got a girl from Philly running this team.”
“For the record, this is God’s truth,” Biden said. “I picked you to win.”
The president moved into slightly more serious matters, praising the team for its accomplishments.
“You kept the faith, and you just finished the job,” he said. “I think it’s fair to say everyone, everyone watches women’s sports.”
The East Room of the White House was filled with South Carolina friends, family and alumni, all in attendance to honor the Gamecocks on their historic second win in three years.
Kind and humble, Coach Staley addressed the president and audience. Her remarks were rooted in her belief in the power of unity.
The coach also acknowledged the past, noting that the Confederate flag was only recently removed from the South Carolina State Capitol. She connected that historic step forward for the state and its message of inclusivity to the importance of diversity and what the USC Gamecocks represent.
“Today, my staff, my team and I stand here embodying diversity, inclusiveness and unity,” Coach Staley said. “My hope is that this moment lands on you as my team as a powerful reminder of the beauty that can come from unifying for a common goal and doing things the right way.”
“This moment is yours,” she said in closing. “I ask so much of you, and you never back down. You rise to every challenge with grace, tenacity and heart. We stand here today because of that commitment, because of your willingness to put in work and sacrifice to achieve something greater than ourselves.”
Coach Staley, her coaching staff and her team posed with President Biden as he held a Gamecock jersey. The classic Queen anthem played in the background, proclaiming them to be champions with the iconic chorus: “We are the champions. We are the champions. No time for losers, ’cause we are the champions of the world.”
Jordyn Britton is a reporter for HUNewsService.com.
